Faith and Politics

Election madness is upon us!  We have the texts, phone calls and emails to prove it. And we know it will only get worse as the months tick by. This election is unlike any in our lifetime. The stakes are higher than ever. We have concerns about our nation no matter who wins. So what might we as a church have to say in such a time as this? We know our limits; we are not partisan, and we won’t tell you who to vote for. But what is our unique perspective as Baptist Christians to speak on faith and politics?

As the late pastor and scholar Eugene Peterson once wrote, “The gospel of Jesus Christ is more political than anyone imagines, but in a way that no one guesses.”

Between now and the election, Northside Drive Baptist Church will offer several opportunities to join the conversation.

This Sunday, May 5, we welcome Dr. David Gushee to our pulpit. Dr. Gushee is Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics at Mercer University in Atlanta. He is widely published and a voice for a distinctively Baptist perspective on matters of faith and politics.  His most recent book is titled, “Defending Democracy from its Christian Enemies.” His sermon this Sunday is entitled, “Thinking Biblically about Government.” We are invited to linger after the service for lemonade in the pavilion. Join us this Sunday

Later in the summer we will watch and discuss a recent documentary called God and Country. The 2024 film was produced by renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and discusses the emergence of Christian nationalism and its close relationship with far-right politics in the United States, and explores its perceived threat to democracy and the politicization of Christianity. The film is available to stream at any time on Amazon.com. We will, however, host a viewing party after church (12:15PM) on Sunday, July 21. Popcorn and snacks will be available. Childcare will also be available at no cost. You may view a trailer for the film here.

Our discussion of the film God and Country will take place the following Sunday, July 28, at 4 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Again, childcare will be available at no cost.

Finally, our work this summer on faith and politics will culminate with an opportunity to hear from Amanda Tyler, Executive Director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty.  BJC is an advocacy organization in Washington DC focused on preserving the historically Baptist belief in the freedom of religion for all. Amanda has been a vocal critic of Christian Nationalism for many years and has a forthcoming book entitled, “How to End Christian Nationalism,” which will be released on October 22, 2024.

Amanda Tyler will be speaking as part of the McComb Lecture Series at Northside Drive Baptist Church on Sunday, September 8 at 4 PM. This event will be widely publicized. The cost for attendance is $15 per person. Childcare will be available at no cost. Registration details will be available soon.

These are important opportunities to think deeply about politics in light of our faith and tradition.  This is the unique contribution that Northside Drive can make from our historically Baptist heritage. We encourage you to invite family, friends and neighbors.